While I wait to go "manaq"ing (ice-fishing), I'll upload pictures from yesterday of a trip to Akres Camp. Josh and I rode on our snowmachines ten miles to Emmonak and then about another 20 towards Kotlik. We arrived to a place, abandoned, with some houses, a school, an old fishing cannery, and some other buildings. Stepping into an old weathered window frame, we inspected what used to be. New and old evidence of people living and camping reminded me of exploring old houses in North Dakota on Grandma's farm. Only this time, I was walking amidst suitcases, books, and clothing of people I've never known, but they most likely have close connections with who I know now from Alakanuk.
I'm not sure the reasons why people left this specific camp, but it sounds like the main reason for all the abandoned little camps had less to do with political, economic, or social devastation. Most smaller camps have been abandoned due to sandbars shifting and eliminating fishing fortunes. However, with a fishing cannery, solid buildings, and a school, Akres Camp seems like within its brightly colored walls it holds a greater story. I'll ask an elder soon and update this later.
These pictures were all taken from my helmet camera, giving it a fish eye's view of the world. So, no, you don't have to run to the Ophthalmologist and reevaluate your current prescription. :)
